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Rumphi TTC students petition DC over allowance, water and sanitation issues
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, November 15, Mana: Students of Rumphi Teachers Training College (TTC) petitioned the District Commissioner for Rumphi on Friday over delayed payment of teaching practice allowances for some student teachers and water and sanitation challenges at the institution.
The students argued through their petition that water challenges have led to poor sanitation and hygiene at the campus.
In an interview, the student leader, Sengerewayo Wirikani, said the students have been facing the challenges for a long time and are hoping for a lasting solution.
"There are over 500 students at the school. Due to water challenges, we are forced to use alternative pit latrines, which are not even adequate for all of us.
“Some student teachers have also not been paid their allowances. We therefore ask government to come to our rescue so that we continue concentrating on our studies," said Wirikani.
District Commissioner for Rumphi, Emmanuel Bulukutu promised to take the grievances to the relevant authorities for redress.
When contacted, Public Relations Manager for the Northern Region Water Board, Edward Nyirenda said that water supply challenges in the district will be addressed once Rumphi Water Supply and Sanitation Services Project is completed.
“The project which will be finished in 2027 is funded by the African Development Bank and Malawi Government. At least 158,000 people in Rumphi and some parts of Mzimba are expected to benefit from the project,” said Nyirenda.
Japan pumps K113 million grant for primary school construction project
By Martha Rukunya
Lilongwe, November 15, Mana: The Japanese government has pledged a K113 million grant to support the construction of Makala Primary School Blocks in Lilongwe.
The USD 66.143 (approximately K113 million) grant will go into the construction of school blocks, teacher’s houses and office and toilets.
Speaking after signing the contract agreement, the Japanese ambassador to Malawi Yoichi Oya expressed optimism about the positive impact of the project".
He said the new classroom blocks will alleviate challenges currently being faced at the school and enable learners to take their lessons in a conducive environment."
The Japanese ambassador emphasized the importance of primary education, observing it is a key for human foundation and the driving force for the development of the country, adding this is why Japan has supported investment in people.
Head teacher for Makala Primary School Christopher Chakatuwa said the school faces a lot of challenges due to the increasing number of students.
He said as a result, many students have to take their lessons under trees which makes it difficult for teaching and learning to take place during the rainy season,
“This new infrastructure will create a more stable and conducive learning environment for the students” he said.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education Responsible for Basic Education, Dr. Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, hailed the Japanese government for its continued support to the education sector in the country, which she said was instrumental in the ministry realization of its goals.
The funding has been provided through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects which will address urgent needs of Makala Primary School, currently facing numerous challenges due to a rising student population.
SRHR Africa Trust (SAT) engages the media on policy making
By Pempho Kantayeni and Prisca Promise Mashushu
Lilongwe, November 15, Mana: Sexual Reproductive Health Research African Trust SRHR (SAT) has urged the media to help disseminate information regarding sexual reproductive health in the country.
SRHR Africa Trust (SAT) Country Director, Robert Phiri said this during a media engagement meeting on Sexual Reproductive Health held in Lilongwe on Friday.
He said the media has a critical role to play in disseminating information to people by covering stories on sexual reproductive health without fear of being criticized by the public since these stories are considered sensitive.
“Sexual reproductive health issues require a lot of attention from people hence the media should be on the forefront in disseminating right information to the people.
“In as much as we are making progress in some areas such as fighting HIV, we are not making much progress on issues of teen pregnancies and child marriages” he said.
Research Officer for African Population and Health Research Centre, Emmanuel Otukpa said a research conducted in Malawi shows that pregnant and parenting adolescent in Malawi face a lot of challenges.
“We observed that about 700 adolescent girls face challenges that include stigma, discrimination from their community members and lack of opportunity to go back to school.
“We have also observed that the experience of poverty in their communities contribute to their inability to live life to the fullest” Otukpa said.
Vice President Usi returns home, upbeat on COP29 gains
By Watipa Nyalugwe
Lilongwe, November 15, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi returned to Malawi Friday afternoon, through at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) from Baku, Azerbaijan, where he represented Malawi and 44 other Least Developed Countries (LDCs) at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).
Dr. Usi’s participation at COP29, held from November 11, 2024, marked a significant stride in championing the climate resilience needs of vulnerable nations.
As a lead negotiator for the LDC group, he facilitated critical discussions on scaling up climate finance to address the pressing challenges faced by nations most impacted by climate change.
Highlighting Malawi’s commitment to advancing renewable energy and technology, Usi advocated for collaboration between Scotland and Malawian universities to foster innovation in renewable energy solutions. He also emphasized the need to integrate information technology (IT) tools into primary education for girls, promoting equal opportunities in the digital age.
“One of the major achievements of COP29 for Malawi was the establishment of the Adaptation Investment Platform, an initiative led by the African Climate Foundation to bolster climate adaptation efforts,” said Usi.
He further disclosed that that Malawi would host the first global office for this platform, positioning the nation as a hub for adaptation investment and strategy.
“Malawi secured $33 million in climate finance from the Green Climate Fund through Save the Children. This funding will be directed toward building resilience in vulnerable communities,” announced Usi emphasizing the importance of Malawi’s active participation in global negotiations, as advised by the UN Secretary-General, to ensure the country’s voice is heard on international platforms.
COP29, hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, is an annual gathering under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The conference brings together world leaders, policymakers, and organizations to assess global progress on climate change, negotiate new commitments, and foster international cooperation.
Dr. Usi expressed optimism about the outcomes of COP29, stating that the conference provided Malawi with opportunities to strengthen partnerships and secure crucial resources to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Six netted over vandalism of 16 transformers in Lilongwe
By Patience Longwe.
Lilongwe,15 November Mana; Police in Lilongwe have arrested six people on suspicion that they were behind the vandalism of 16 transformers in several locations of the capital city between July and November 2024.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Friday, Lilongwe Police spokesperson Hastings Chigalu, confirmed about the arrests of Manuel Banda, Mustafa Wisdom Machemba, Chikumbutso Lameck, Jawadu Buleya, Yamikani Thambo, Yamani Batani, between November 7 and 11, 2024.
Chigalu said Area 36 police, in collaboration with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited security team, arrested the suspects in a joint operation at their houses.
"During interrogation, apart from the latest incident, the suspect further revealed to have also vandalized ESCOM transformers and stole property at Nkhoma CCAP Mission in July, Kamphata Trading Centre in August, Mlale Mission in Mitundu, Dzaleka in Dowa and Kunthembwe in Ntchisi all in October this year " He said.
The suspects appeared before the Lilongwe First Grade Magistrates Court on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, to answer a vandalism charge,
The offence attracts a 30-year jail term with no option of paying a fine, according to Section 45 (4) (b) of the Electricity Amendment Act of 2024.
Meanwhile Lilongwe First Grade Magistrate, Imran Phiri has ordered that the suspects be remanded at Maula prison for 10 days pending the conclusion of investigations, including a transformer vandalism case at Mlale in Mitundu on November 6, 2024.
Banda originally hails from Kasichi Village Traditional Authority (TA) Chulu in Kasungu, Thambo and Batani both from Chikwasa Village, TA Sawali, Balaka, Buleya from Bulika Village, TA Sitola, Machinga. Lameck from Namale Village, TA Mthiramanja, Mulanje and Machemba who comes from Matozo Village, TA Mthiramanja in Mulanje District.
ECOM Chief Public Relations Officer, Kitty Chingota, has since condemned the continued vandalism of the corporation's infrastructure saying such vices affect service delivery, put lives at risk, and deprive the company of revenue needed to connect more customers.
The power utility company has lost over K 4 billion in the last two years due to cases of vandalism of its infrastructure. This figure includes transmission and distribution infrastructure, replacement cost and revenue lost.
Stone bands, check dams for improved soil fertility
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, November 15, Mana: Communities under Kakolo catchment in Dedza district on Thursday said there are high expectations of improved soil fertility following the check dams and stone bands that have been constructed under the Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Program (CS-EPWP), in the area.
Speaking in an interview on Friday, one of the programme participants, Timvezina Ndindilosi said previously running water from the hills used to wash away the fertile soils and people could not harvest bumper yield regardless of their farming efforts.
“The programme has motivated us and we will continue gathering stones to protect the soil. Through the programme, we now know how to construct stone bands as you can see. We are also into natural tree regeneration and all these are helping to control running water from the hills,” she said.
Concurring with Ndindilosi, Group Village Headman (GVH) Mtema commended Dedza District Council, government and other partners for the support adding that for a long time, soil erosion has negatively affected crop production, especially for farmers cultivating down Dzenza hills in his area.
In her remarks, Agriculture Extension Development Officer for Kaphuka Extension Planning Area (EPA), Elessie Phiri said the stone bands will help in slowing down running water.
“Apart from controlling the running waters, communities are also making manure to improve soil fertility. Participants are receiving K48 000 a month,” she said.
Kakolo catchment under T/A Kaphuka has 1384 programme participants.
Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Program aims to build resilience to climatic shocks and is being implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) through the district council with support from the Malawi Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund, World Bank, USAID, Iceland, Ireland, UK-FCDO, EU and Norway.
Ng’ombe catchment in 40 000 trees seedlings planting exercise
By: Steve Chirombo
Dedza, November 15, Mana: In a bid to restore village forests, participants under the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program (CS-EPWP) under Ng’ombe catchment area in Dedza district, said they are eager to plant 40 000 trees seedlings.
The participants are assured of their total commitment to ensure that once planted, the trees are taken care of.
Speaking in an interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana), Thursday, Group Village Headman (GVH) Chinkhota under Traditional Authority (T/A) Tambala in which the catchment falls, said all is set to restore some bare lands.
GVH Chinkhota said: “We realize the importance of restoring natural trees that also help in provision of fruits and firewood. Just also to highlight that the financial aspect of the program is not only helping us in our houses, but also aiding our efforts of planting more trees.”
One of the catchment’s committee members, Umali Sadic, from Njirasowa Village, said many people are willing to support afforestation activities during the 2024/2025 season as clearly seen in their tree nurseries.
“As for this area, we plan to plant more trees and find better ways of making sure that they are taken care of. We understand the benefits of having trees that include fresh air, shades and also possibility of more rains,” he stated.
In his remarks, the area’s Agriculture Extension Development Officer (AEDO), Joseph Jassi, commended the people for taking strides in nursery preparations.
“I am extremely happy to see that people in this catchment area are doing great in nursery establishment which gives us hope that more trees will be planted. The unity in these people is so adorable which is enabling proper implementation of the program,” he said.
District Commissioner (DC) for Dedza, Thomas Chigwenembe, expressed gratitude at the development while calling on the communities more especially where the CS-EPWP is being implemented to own it.
He said being a project with a time factor, there was need for communities to fully regard it as their own, so that once it phases out; they will be able to continue implementing it.
“We thank government for bringing in this intervention. It is covering a lot of people who are benefitting. Let me also commend Ng’ombe catchment for joining hands on this one because the tree seedlings being planted will help us in future endeavors,” he said.
CS-EPWP aims at addressing climate change and environmental degradation and promoting sustainable development in vulnerable communities.
It is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Programme, which is being implemented through the National Local Government Finance Committee with support from the World Bank and the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
Blantyre Kabaza operators ask Blantyre City for convenient operating space
By Alex Mlanga
Blantyre, November 14, Mana: Motorcycle taxi operators in Blantyre have appealed to Blantyre City Council (BCC) to provide designated operating spaces within the city as opposed to current situation that sees them operating in undesignated places in town in conflict with traffic regulations.
In an interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana), a motor cycle taxi operator, Maxwell Teketeke, said was aware of inconveniences caused by undesignated parking spaces but added that most operators have no choice but to operate though in conflict with traffic regulations.
He said on average operators earn between K8,000 and K15,000 per day despite difficulties, however they bemoaned the fact that many operators are fined by traffic police for breaking route restrictions often compelling them to pay heavy penalties.
“We know the law, but sometimes we have no choice but to break them because there are so few places for us to operate. We are given huge fines to the extent of K100,000 which make us get loans to retrieve our bikes,” Teketeke added.
He also expressed concern over motor bicycle operators’ safety saying minibus drivers often ignore motorbikes safety on the road.
“One time, a minibus hit me, and the driver sped off leaving me behind in pain. Minibus operators don’t respect us,” he added.
Blantyre Police Office-in-Charge, Assistant Commissioner, Aubrey Kawale, admitted that motorcycle operators are fined depending on an offence they commit.
“Police charge every committed offence and these include; fines for riding without licence, K15,000, riding without insurance, K50,000, riding an unregistered bike K20,000, and without a helmet K10,000, among others,” Kawale added.
On safety measures, the Officer in Charge said that the police have Community Policing Office responsible for sensitising motor bicycle operators on road safety.
Kawale however observed that some motorbike operators are suspected of using their bikes to facilitate crime in the city.
Blantyre City Council, Chief Executive Officer, Denis Chinseu said he was not aware of any Kabaza operator officially registered with the city authority.
The Chief Executive Officer said the council could not provide parking spaces for unregistered operators.
“They need to come to us, identify themselves as operators to get registered. They should also be properly trained by the Road Traffic Directorate, as we must ensure the safety of all city residents,” he added.
Green Belt Authority commits to transparecy
By Mary Sichali
Karonga, November 15, Mana: The Greenbelt Authority (GBA) has pledged to be an open institution to facilitate transparency and accountability.
The Authority's Public Relations Officer, Sam Majamanda, said this in Karonga during an engagement meeting Thurday with community members surrounding Nthora Ilola Irrrigation Scheme and officials from Karonga district council on the Access to Information Act.
"We want to inform stakeholders about the Access to Information Act and assure them that GBA abides to what the law requires.”
"Where there's lack of information, there's room for speculations and misunderstandings. GBA aims to build a good relationship with the public, the community we serve and other stakeholders," Majamanda said
Sub Traditional Authority Mwangolera hailed GBA for engaging with the public and its affirmation to be cooperative in the provision of information.
"GBA has now opened up to the public which is very important to keep them informed. As traditional leaders we will play our role to ensure this is fully embraced," said Mwangolera.
President for Water User Association (WUA) for Nthora Ilola Irrigation, Scheme Bitoni Maghunda Mwalweni, said the engagement meeting was eye opening for them to know what is expected of both parties.
"At first we did not know about our right to access information but we now know what to do. We will not keep this information to ourselves, an initiative to sensitive our fellow stakeholders will be taken," said Mwalweni.
Mike Tyson Returns to the Ring
By Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, November 15, Mana: Former World Boxing Champion Mike Tyson is set to take on Jake Paul in a historic boxing match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, scheduled for 3:00 AM Central African Time.
Mike Tyson who was part of popular culture in Malawi, will return to the ring since his last fight in June 2005.
Tyson has a career record of 50-6 with 44 knockouts and started his career with 37 wins before a shock first loss to James “Buster” Douglas on February 11, 1990, in Tokyo, Japan.
Whereas Jake Paul holds a 10-1 record with seven knockouts in his career. His lone loss came via a split decision to Tommy Fury in February 2023.
Mike Tyson is currently 58 years old and was born on June 30, 1966 while Jake Paul is 27 years old, born on January 17, 1997.
DAZN reports that Striverne, a former WBC heavyweight champion, told Baccart.net: “I don’t think it will last more than six rounds. In the first half of the fight, the younger guy is going to come out to try and impose himself, but I see Mike working his body and dragging him into deep water from early on in the fight.”
“Mike is a lot older, but he still has the ambition to fight and has bad intentions. He still hits the pads hard, looks great on the pads and it’s not like he fighting somebody who is a live opponent. Mike is taking this fight seriously and I don’t see in any way how he loses this fight against Jake Paul.”
Nevertheless, as the boxing world tunes in to witness the clash of generations between the legendary Mike Tyson and the rising star Jake Paul, all eyes will be on the ring to see if experience trumps youth, or if the new era of boxing will deliver an upset for the ages.
